“One for All and All for One”

Scripture for Today: Romans 12:5 “So, in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

The saying,”One for all and all for one,” is inscribed in Latin on the dome of the Federal Palace in Bern, Switzerland. This saying is the traditional motto for the country and dates back to 1868. The slogan was used as an aid campaign after devastating floods swept their land. Switzerland had become a Federal State only twenty years before and this saying was meant to evoke national unity. I am more familiar with this saying in its inverted form; “All for one and one for all.” This was the rally cry of the Three Musketeers in Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel.

The sentiment behind this saying is a beautiful one of ignoring differences and working together for the common good. Our verse for today speaks of a unity that is much more profound. It is a unity that has been realized through Christ. The bond between believers is possible because of Him. It is together that believers become His body doing His work. We are His hands and His feet. It is through this unity that we can accomplish God’s purposes.

Each member of His body belongs to the other members. None of us act independently. We need one another on many different levels. The context says that when one member of His body rejoices, than others can share in that joy. When one member is bowed down in sorrow, than others feel that emotional pain as well (verse 15). “One for all and all for one” in Christ’s body also means we share love, honor, zeal, prayer, giving and hospitality.I am so thankful I am not facing challenges on my own!